Asian nations, including India, are feeling the impact of the ongoing war in Iran. We explore how dependent the region is on West Asia for energy and consider whether New Delhi should position itself as a mediator to help bring the conflict to an end.

The fallout of the US-Israeli war on Iran is reverberating across Asia. China has condemned the attack and the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, but is staying well clear of the conflict itself. Developing Asian economies that rely on remittances face uncertainty as millions of migrant workers are caught in the crossfire. The war is also unsettling Pakistan, which shares a restive border region with Iran. We get expert insights in this edition of Access Asia.

In this edition of Access Asia, we explore what the recent visit by India's prime minister to Israel means for both sides. Narendra Modi's public embrace of Benjamin Netanyahu may have raised eyebrows at home, but it is part of New Delhi's broader strategic vision. We ask our analyst whether New Delhi has abandoned the Palestinian cause. Plus, we find out whether the rise in South Korea's birth rate is here to stay.

As France and India kick off the 2026 "Year of Innovation", Access Asia is on the ground in New Delhi, just weeks after landmark free trade agreements were signed with the EU and the United States.

We explore how the textile industry is adjusting after recent 50 percent tariffs were lifted by the US. One of India's most recognisable designers, Rahul Mishra, opens the doors of his atelier to show how his business has adapted.

We also look at how India and France are collaborating in artificial intelligence with the launch of the new Indo-French AI Centre for Health at New Delhi's AIIMS Hospital.

Finally, we sit down with India's former foreign secretary, Kanwal Sibal, to discuss how the country is navigating global headwinds.

As plenty of drama plays out on the slopes of the Milano-Cortina Olympics, Malaysian alpine skier Aruwin Salehhuddin is giving it her all as the only athlete representing her country. From the Olympic Village, she shares her excitement and pride with Yuka Royer, and speaks about her dream of spreading winter sports in Southeast Asia.

But first, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has enjoyed a resounding victory in Bangladesh's first general election since a Gen Z uprising ousted autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina in 2024. A clear outcome had been seen as crucial for stability and reconciliation in the South Asian nation rattled by deadly unrest. The BNP is savouring its return to power after a nearly two-decade hiatus.

Read moreBangladesh Nationalist Party wins thumping victory in landmark post-Hasina election

Also on the show, we look at how a Harry Potter villain is enjoying unlikely popularity as the lunar calendar ushers in a new Year of the Horse.

Finally, as couples express their love for each other on Valentine's Day, AI-powered virtual boyfriends are winning the hearts of Gen Z women in China.

From a K-pop drum duet to a feud with China to an extra-early election, Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi has had quite a roller-coaster ride in her first three months in office. Riding on a wave of popularity, the hardline conservative dissolved parliament and called an election nearly three years early in a bid to regain a single-party majority and consolidate her hold on power. We take a closer look at Japan's "iron lady" and her policies since becoming the country's first female leader.

Watch moreJapanese PM 'in enviable position' ahead of snap elections, expert says

Also on the show:

India has announced a trade deal with the United States, just days after finalising an FTA with the EU. Yuka Royer speaks with Chatham House senior research fellow Chietigj Bajpaee about India's multi-aligned, middle-power foreign policy and economic challenges.

Finally, bright colours have returned to the skies of Pakistan's Punjab province, as the centuries-old Basant kite festival kicked off after an 18-year ban. We find out why kite-flying became so controversial, and how important it is in local culture.

In this edition of Access Asia, we meet the founder of New Delhi-based Kartik Research, which has just shown at Paris Fashion Week. Its 25-year-old founder, Kartik Kumra, who highlights "forgotten Indian crafts" in his work, is positioning the brand as an Indian fashion label aiming to break through on the global stage. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, actor Paul Mescal and Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton have all been spotted wearing the brand's creations.

In this week's edition of Access Asia, we explore how India and the EU are edging closer, as reports swirl that the two sides are in the final stages of securing a free trade deal. This shift in the relationship comes as both powers grapple with an unpredictable Donald Trump. Plus, we find out how K-pop is thriving abroad but facing a slump at home, as "KPop Demon Hunters" goes home with two Golden Globes.